Questions About Family or Cosmetic Dentistry?

Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our patients concerning dental health. If you have a question that isn't answered below, feel free to give your family dentist in Punta Gorda, FL a call at (941) 624-0990 and we'll be happy to assist you.

Twice yearly visits with Dr. Houman Dehdashti are the minimum amount recommended. By getting dental exams, you can reveal early signs of decay and disease that you may not see or feel before they get out of control. Additionally, getting a cleaning by a trained professional will remove plaque in areas you may have missed or cannot reach.

1. Take 18" of floss and wind it around the middle finger of each hand
.You can use these fingers to take up floss as it becomes dirty. Using
your thumb and forefinger, pinch the floss leaving 1-2 inches in between
for cleaning.

2. Gently move the floss up and down the spaces of your teeth. Never
snap the floss down onto your gums, as it can cause damage.

3. As you move the floss down into the space between two teeth, slide it
up and down against the surface of one tooth. Gently clean at the
gumline as well.

Plaque is a sticky, clear film which forms every day on teeth from food debris and bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Regular check ups at our Punta Gorda FL office, along with brushing and flossing every day, can help prevent plaque buildup on teeth. In addition, avoiding sugary snacks and eating a balanced diet can help control plaque.

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. Typically, periodontal disease occurs as a result of plaque hardening and building up on teeth, often due to poor brushing habits. Gums can become swollen and red in the early stage of the disease, called gingivitis. As the disease advances, sore and bleeding gums, pain while chewing, as well as tooth loss can occur.

Periodontal disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing daily at-home, and regular visits at Houman Dehdashti DMD PA in Punta Gorda FL. Maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of teeth-fortifying vitamins and minerals is also essential.

While our teeth start out pearly white, they can discolor through the years as our enamel wears down, or due to dietary factors. The wearing down of enamel overtime allows dentin, a yellow color substance that makes the core of our teeth, to show through. Staining foods, drinks or products such as tobacco or certain medications can also change their tint.

Below are the three most popular teeth whitening options available today:

In-office teeth whitening
In-office teeth whitening works by producing a significant color change in your teeth in short amount of time, usally within an hour. The procedure is done at our Punta Gorda FL office by applying a high-concentration peroxide gel on the teeth after they have been protected with a special shield.

Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits
These whitening kits are purchased from Dr. Houman Dehdashti for use at home. The strength of the gel used in these kits is lower than that used for in-office bleaching, and thus the gel can be applied for longer periods of time. Usually the trays are worn a couple hours a day or overnight for a few days or weeks, depending on the product.

Over the counter whitening
Over the counter teeth whitening kits are store-bought and use a lower concentration gel than both in-office bleaching and take-home kits. While they are less expensive, they typically are less effective than methods that can be performed by our Punta Gorda dental office because of the low concentration gel. Additionally, over the counter trays are not custom fit for your teeth, which can result in irritation to your gums while wearing the trays.

Teeth whitening usually lasts from one to three years before darkening of the teeth is noticed. Additionally, once your teeth have been initially whitened, typically only "touch ups" are required to maintain the whiteness.

Bad breath may be caused by a variety of factors, such as diet, gum disease, dry mouth and more. Making an appointment with Dr. Houman Dehdashti will help you determine the cause of your bad breath, so that you can take steps to eliminate it.

Good oral hygiene and regular checkups with Dr. Dehdashti will help reduce bad breath, no matter the cause. Brushing and flossing will eliminate particles of food stuck between your teeth which can emit odors. These habits can also help prevent or treat periodontal (gum) disease, caused by plaque buildup on your teeth, which also leads to bad breath.

Denture wearing patients should make sure to properly clean and soak their appliances overnight in an antibacterial solution (unless otherwise advised by your dentist). Lastly, brushing your tongue regularly could also help prevent bad breath issues.